The field of cosmetic dentistry focuses on the goal of improving the appearance of the teeth and the smile, complementing general dentistry with an aesthetic edge. Cosmetic dental procedures can dramatically improve the appearance of the smile and help boost self-esteem and increase confidence. These procedures range from simple treatments like minor tooth whitening, to more complex treatments like replacing missing teeth with dental implants, with a host of treatments that fall somewhere between these extremes. Some of these treatments include porcelain veneers, ceramic inlays and onlays, invisible teeth aligners like Invisalign, dental bridges, and braces, though this is by no means an exhaustive list. Many cosmetic dental treatments provide functional benefits as well as aesthetic ones, and any dental treatment, cosmetic or otherwise, should also aim to maintain or improve the overall health of the oral cavity and the teeth. Despite the breadth of cosmetic dentistry and the importance of cosmetic treatments, the field is not an officially recognized dental specialty. This means that any dentist can claim to be a cosmetic dentist, and, while many general dentists can perform simpler cosmetic procedures like tooth whitening, experience, credentials, and continued education in cosmetic dentistry are important factors to consider for more significant procedures.
In 1984, two dentists founded the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), which was established to develop and maintain standards for responsible aesthetics in dentistry. Since its inception, this organization has become a trusted source for finding reputable, skilled cosmetic dentists. Including more than 6,000 dental specialists from 70 countries, the AACD provides a forum for continued collaboration between dental specialists and a resource for patients who want to find the best cosmetic dentists near them. It’s impossible to define cosmetic dentistry without also defining responsible aesthetics. Dentists who adhere to the principle of responsible aesthetics believe that cosmetic dentistry should serve a dual purpose of enhancing appearance while also supporting the patient’s oral health and overall health. Clinical experience and evidence help these dentists fulfill their mission, and cosmetic dentists who register with the AACD are committed to the ethos of responsible aesthetics.
There aren’t many dental schools that provide education in cosmetic dentistry, so dentists who seek to enter the field often pursue post-graduate training in general cosmetic dentistry and in specific procedures. Dentists who apply for accreditation with the AACD must also undergo practical examinations and evaluations before receiving accreditation, and continuing education opportunities are often presented by the AACD. Because cosmetic dentistry is as much an art as it is a science, experience is also an important part of excellence, though some newer cosmetic dentists can still produce excellent results. The best way to determine whether you’ll be happy with the outcomes of your treatment is to ask to see before-and-after photos of previous patients and, if you’d like extra evidence, to ask for referral patients you might contact so you can learn more about their opinions about their treatment. Each patient’s treatment is specific to that patient, decided upon in close collaboration between the patient and the dentist, but other patients’ opinions can still be helpful in determining who you’d like to work with for your cosmetic dentistry needs.
